Grand Tour Spain "Experience" - Basque country, Cantabria & Asturias

Today we arrive in Bilbao, the capital of Basque country and home to the world famous Guggenheim museum. After meeting you at the airport we'll have a short 15 minute transfer to your hotel in heart of the city. Once you've settled in and we've helped set up your bikes there's a chance for an easy ride to warm up your legs. We'll take a short tour through the iconic city, surrounded by green mountains that overlook the Atlantic ocean. In the evening you are free to explore the city and get some rest for the exciting days ahead.

Following breakfast we'll ride out west of the city towards Ramales de la Victoria, where we'll tick off a couple of the locals' favourites climbs in the beautiful green hills surrounding Bilbao. We then hit the start of the epic and challenging Stage 13 just before climbing the highlight of today's ride, Puerto de Asón, a gem of Cantabria and arguably the most beautiful climb of the region. Hitting the top of the climb it'll then be time for us to relax, whilst the pro riders will battle on towards the most gruelling climb of the day Alto de las Machuchos - the last climb of this incredibly challenging stage. From Puerto de Asón we'll drive you on to the city of Santander where we'll enjoy the rest of the afternoon in the heart of this beautiful coastal city.

A truly beautiful ride, today you'll be able to soak up the landscape and race to set the pace with your teammates. Our ride takes us west along the flat and open coast roads of northern Spain. Surrounded by incredible scenery, for 92 km we'll have the amazing Picos Europa on one side and the Atlantic ocean beside us on the other. We pick up the official Stage 14 route in San Vincente de la Barquera as we ride toward our finish line in the beautiful town of Llanes; known for its rugged coastline of limestone cliffs and beaches. From Llanes we then transfer to the city of Oviedo where you will be able to relax and explore in the city's enchanting medieval old town.

A welcome reprieve from packing up all your gear this morning as we'll spend another 2 nights in our hotel in Oviedo. It's going to be a hilly day as we head west of Oviedo towards the spectacular hills. But it's nothing that should keep you out of the saddle for too long. Our stopping point for today will be the Santuario del Acebo. We'll immerse ourselves in the atmosphere to enjoy the adrenaline fuelled crowds and explosive battles as the pros come racing through to finish the penultimate stage in this region.

Lush green mountains and verdant gorges are the order of the day as we enjoy a short but hilly course. After breakfast we ride south to Fresneo to tackle Alto de L'Angliru, considered one of the most demanding climbs in professional road bicycle racing and an epic Vuelta classic. An out and back summit, we'll get to enjoy the full extent of the climb and descent before riding on to Pola de Lena for a well earned lunch break. And of course to refuel on coffee and adrenaline as we watch the pro riders race past towards the finish line. Expect to see some serious battles as they fight to close the gap and secure their leads for a podium finish.

It's been an incredible few days. We've explored the cities, towns, coastlines and mountains of northern Spain and experienced the spirit of a Grand Tour. And we can relish the well earned sleep-in today. After breakfast and good coffee, if your adventure finishes here we'll help you with packing your bike, transport you to the airport and say thank you and farewell. You'll be taking home memories, achievements, new friendships and stories that you will never forget. If you continue on to the 12 days tour then we'll travel together to Guadalajara city for the next and final round of Grand Tour "Experience" 2019.